SF Protesters Speak For Peace In Ferguson

It is small in comparison, but the message is still the same. From Ferguson to Sioux Falls, people are standing up and speaking out for peace.

"I think it's a good thing. You've got everybody here supporting the same thing and they're here for justice and non-violence, so I guess we're all here doing a good thing," Jayron Rodgers said.

"It's very, very sad to see in America. It looked like a war zone," Elaine Engelgau said.

Escalating violence and hostility in Ferguson, Missouri started after the death of Michael Brown, who was shot by a Ferguson police officer. Since then, nights have been filled with protest. Jayron Rodgers is from St. Louis and is having a hard time believing something like that could happen so close to home.

"I didn't think it would go as far as it went, but once I saw it sort of escalate, I called people from home to see what actually is going on," Rodgers said.

He still feels a connection to Ferguson, even though he's hundreds of miles away.

"Actually, I wish I was there, but since I'm here, I'd still be doing the same thing I'd be doing there. So, that's what I'm doing," Rodgers said.

Engelgau has watched everything unfold from her home in Sioux Falls, and she is saddened that people are choosing a route of violence and disturbance before accepting peace and cooperation.

"I wish people would appreciate life more and that we'd value it and protect it rather than so easily harm and kill," Engelgau said.

The differences between Ferguson and Sioux Falls are dramatic, and people in Sioux Falls are preaching a message of understanding and justice.

"I'm just hoping to bring change so people will think about how our law enforcement just seems to be overly deadly," Engelgau said.

"Actually, just support and no violence, you know? Just stand up for what's right," Rodgers said.

Even though they aren't in Ferguson with their signs and their voices, everyone at the rally still feels that their message and those from other rallies across the country can still make a difference.